Romans 9 32

Romans 9:32 kjv

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Romans 9:32 nkjv

Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

Romans 9:32 niv

Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.

Romans 9:32 esv

Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,

Romans 9:32 nlt

Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path.

Romans 9 verses

Romans 9 32 Meaning

Romans 9:32 succinctly explains why Israel, God's chosen nation, failed to attain the righteousness they earnestly pursued. Their fundamental error was seeking righteousness through their own adherence to the Law, relying on works and outward performance, rather than trusting in God's provision of righteousness through faith alone. Consequently, their rejection of faith as the pathway led them to "stumble over the stumbling stone," which is Jesus Christ Himself. They perceived Christ not as the fulfillment of the Law and their salvation, but as an obstacle to their self-established righteousness, resulting in their spiritual downfall.

Romans 9 32 Context

Romans 9:32 stands within Paul's deeply emotional and theological discourse concerning Israel's historical relationship with God and their contemporary rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. In Romans chapters 9-11, Paul grapples with the seeming paradox of Israel's unbelief despite their unique status as God's chosen people, to whom the promises and covenants were given (Rom 9:4-5). Romans 9 outlines God's sovereign choice (Rom 9:6-18), demonstrating that not all descendants of Abraham are "Israel." Verses 30-31 directly precede verse 32, establishing the stark contrast: Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, obtained it by faith, while Israel, passionately pursuing righteousness based on the Law, failed to attain it. Historically, the Jewish people understood righteousness primarily through meticulous observance of the Mosaic Law, circumcisions, dietary restrictions, and national identity. This ingrained perspective led to a profound inability to accept a righteousness offered freely through faith in a crucified Messiah, especially one who seemed to disrupt their traditions. The verse functions as a direct critique of this "works-righteousness" mentality, highlighting its inadequacy and the spiritual obstacle it presented in recognizing Christ.

Romans 9 32 Word analysis

• Because (διότι - dioti): This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for Israel's failure mentioned in the preceding verse (9:31). It indicates a causal relationship, specifying why their zealous pursuit of righteousness ended in failure.
• they did not seek it by faith (οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως - ouk ek pisteōs):
  • "it" (τὸν δίκαιον - ton dikaion implied, referring to righteousness): Paul has just stated in 9:31 that Israel "pursuing the law of righteousness." Here, the "it" directly points to the righteousness Israel was seeking.
  • "did not seek by faith": This is a critical theological statement. "Faith" (πίστις - pistis) in Pauline theology is trusting in God's saving act and His provision (Christ) rather than human effort. Israel failed not in zeal, but in their methodology.
• but as it were, by the works of the law (ἀλλ’ ὡς ἐξ ἔργων νόμου - all' hōs ex ergōn nomou):
  • "as it were" (ὡς - hōs): This adverb of comparison implies a certain perception or method. It doesn't deny they actually did seek it by works, but perhaps softens it slightly or describes the manner of their pursuit, highlighting their deep-seated conviction in that method. It refers to their underlying presumption that following the Law precisely was the means of attaining righteousness.
  • "works of the law" (ἔργων νόμου - ergōn nomou): This pivotal phrase denotes actions prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Paul consistently argues against the idea that such works can grant justification or righteousness before God (e.g., Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:20). For Paul, the Law exposes sin but does not provide the means of salvation. This highlights the antithesis between human effort and divine grace.
• For they stumbled (προσέκοψαν - prosekopsan):
  • "For" (γάρ - gar): Introduces a further explanation or a reinforcing point.
  • "stumbled": (Aorist tense of προσκόπτω - proskoptō, "to strike against, trip, cause to stumble, or fall"). This vivid verb conveys the image of falling over an obstruction. It implies an unforeseen, regrettable, and consequential spiritual failure. Their chosen path directly led to this outcome.
• over the stumbling stone (τῷ λίθῳ τοῦ προσκόμματος - tō lithō tou proskommatos):
  • "the stumbling stone": This is a direct allusion to Old Testament prophecies, specifically Isaiah 8:14 and Isaiah 28:16 (which Paul explicitly quotes in Rom 9:33). It is a prophetic descriptor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. To Israel, who expected a conquering king based on their understanding of the Law, the humble and crucified Jesus was a radical offense—a "stumbling stone" to their nationalistic, works-based aspirations for righteousness and salvation. They did not recognize Him as the very foundation God had laid for their redemption, but rather saw Him as a hindrance.

Romans 9 32 Bonus section

The "stumbling stone" motif in Scripture, derived from Isaiah and Psalms, is a recurring theme demonstrating God's sovereign plan for Christ. What God lays as a foundation (Isa 28:16) and chief cornerstone (Ps 118:22) for His elect, paradoxically becomes a source of offense and a cause for falling for those who reject Him or seek to approach God through their own means (1 Pet 2:7-8). This reveals the two-edged nature of divine revelation: it either illuminates or hardens. The spiritual blindness and eventual "stumbling" of a significant portion of Israel were not accidental, but an outcome foreseen in prophecy due to their chosen method of attaining righteousness. This outcome served a larger divine purpose, enabling the gospel to spread to the Gentiles (Rom 11). This further illustrates that reliance on "works of the law" cultivates pride and self-sufficiency, which are fundamentally incompatible with faith, a posture of humble dependence on God.

Romans 9 32 Commentary

Romans 9:32 penetrates the heart of Israel's historical and spiritual failure: their fundamental misunderstanding of righteousness. They pursued a divine status, yet they did so by a human method – a method of self-effort and legalistic adherence. This wasn't merely a minor misstep; it was a rejection of God's prescribed means of salvation, which is by grace through faith. Their zealous reliance on "works of the law" became a barrier to embracing the very One sent to fulfill the Law and offer true righteousness. Jesus Christ, who should have been their glory and foundation, became instead "the stumbling stone." This powerful metaphor highlights the irony that the Messiah Himself, whom Israel anticipated, was the very one over whom they stumbled, not because He was inherently a stumbling block, but because their unbending commitment to human achievement blinded them to His identity and purpose. This verse serves as a perpetual warning against any attempt to earn divine favor through one's own merit, rather than humbly accepting the perfect righteousness provided solely through faith in Christ. It underscores the gospel truth: salvation is not about what we do for God, but what God has done for us through Christ.